Spirulina is the commercial name for Arthrospira platensis, a species of filamentous cyanobacteria that is cultivated around the world as a food source. It is a very rich source of nutrition. As a matter fact, it was a staple of Aztec cuisine. The genus is also responsible for the flamingo's pink plumage.
It is currently popular as a health food in the U.S. and Europe, often taken as a dietary supplement in the form of powder or tablet.
Nutritional Facts
55 - 70 % protein.
Contains Vitamin A, B1 Thiamine, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacin, B6 Pyridoxine, B12 Colobalimine, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamin K, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Beta Carotene , Inositol.
Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Chromium, Phosphorus, Molybdenum, Iodine, Chloride, Magnesium, Sodium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, Germanium, Copper, Boron.
Contains: Phycocyanin , Chlorophyll, Carotenoids.
Contains: Myxoxanthophyll , Zeaxanthin , Cryptoxanthin , Echinenone and other Xanthophylls.
Gamma Linolenic Acid , Glycolipids, Sulfolipid s, Polysaccharides.
Amino Acids: Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Leucine, Threonine, Lysine, Tryptophan, Methionine, Valine, Alanine, Glycine, Arginine, Histidine, Aspartic acid, Proline, Cystine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Tyrosine.
Reference
- The Spirulina\Arthrospira distinction http://www.antenna.ch/UK/BkSpi_UK.htm
- A review of Spirulina (Arthrospira) http://www.javeriana.edu.co/universitas_scientiarum/vol8n1/J_bernal.htm
Spirulina |
Scientific classification |
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Species |
Spirulina corakiana
Spirulina crispum
Spirulina labyrinthiformis
Spirulina laxa
Spirulina laxissima
Spirulina major
Spirulina meneghiniana
Spirulina nordstedtii
Spirulina princeps
Spirulina subsalsa
Spirulina subtilissima
Spirulina platensis
Spirulina tenerrima
Spirulina weissii
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Spirulina is also a genus of filamentous blue-green algae, with a coil-like shape. ITIS recognises 13 species.
Last updated: 02-07-2005 05:15:16